Obtaining residence visa as a property owner in the UAE

Dear Mrs Ann,

With regard to your inquiries, our Law firm is ready to assist you and provide the Legal guidance and advice necessary for all the processes as we offer all the Legal services required, we can assist in drafting of the Power of Attorney, Wills, and the rental Contracts, therefore, you can contact me on my mobile for further inquiries on +971559230221 or mail Aws@awsuwaidi-advocates.com or you can also contact the office on 04-5547635 / info@awsuwaidi-advocates.com

Furthermore, obtaining residence Visa as a property Owner in UAE for oneself or dependents, the rules regarding property-related residency visas in the UAE have changed several times over the past 10 years, but these are the current regulations: either

1) a six-month multi-entry visa or

2) a two-year residency visa is available depending on the circumstances.

In all cases, the property must be worth in excess of Dh1m and must be for one property only. The title deed is usually in one name and only that person can apply for residency, even if ownership is deemed to be joint. The property must be complete and suitable to live in.

The six-month visa is easier to obtain and has lower costs, but must be renewed every six months at a cost of Dh1,100. These multi-entry visas are available to property owners in all seven emirates, but people should apply to the Immigration or Naturalisation and Residency Department in the relevant emirate. In your case, it is the Department of Naturalisation and Residency Dubai.

I understand that those with a six-month property visa can sponsor family members at a cost of Dh250 a time and these must also be renewed every six months. My understanding is that exit and re-entry is required to renew and medical exams are also required. Because property-related visas are considered a type of visit visa, neither the principal holder nor the dependents are permitted to work.

In Dubai, it is also possible to get a two-year visa related to property ownership, but this comes with stricter regulations. The individual must own a property that is fully habitable with a value of at least Dh1m, but they must own it outright without a mortgage. A copy of the title deed proving there is no mortgage must be provided and there is a property visa fee of Dh1,100 and an administration fee of Dh400.

Applications must initially be to the Dubai Land Department, which will then provide a certificate to the Department of Economic Development that issues an investor trade licence for Dh2,000 a year. This allows the property owner to then apply for residency visas and they can also sponsor family members. Please note that applications for property-related residency visas must be made to the relevant government department.

I hope I have been able to answer your queries. You can contact me should you require further clarification or assistance.

Best regards,

Aws. M. Younis